Solar lighting apparatus and system thereof

ABSTRACT

A solar lighting apparatus and system, which is constructed into a street lamp, entrance lamp, garden lamp, nightlight, etc., includes a light emitting unit for providing illumination and a lighting apparatus body; a solar energy arrangement including a solar panel unit for light absorption and power supply; and a mounting plate; at least one ground supporting unit coupling with the mounting plate for securing the mounting plate onto a ground surface; and a light apparatus connecting unit provided through the mounting plate for firmly positioning the lighting apparatus, and a LED light control arrangement effectively controlling a power consumption in such a manner that the light emitting unit is arranged to being charged and discharged in a controlled manner and is protected against short circuit and overcharging, thereby maximizing power utilization, increasing lifespan and performance of the solar lighting apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to, and more particularly to a solarlighting apparatus, and more particularly to a solar light apparatuswhich includes a wiring arrangement and a power control mechanism suchthat the solar light apparatus can provide an adjustable solar panelhaving a size independent to and unrestricted by the size of the lightapparatus and therefore can provide higher power which is suitable fordifferent uses such as a street lamp, a pathway light, an entrancelight, an outdoor lamp while at the same has a control mechanism toeffectively utilize the solar energy to fit the day-night cycle of a dayand to prepare for providing illumination during non-sunny days.

2. Description of Related Arts

Energy crisis is an important issue for today's world and has led torecent development in relation to green energy and energy conservationmethod, both in industrial and household level. In particular, activeexploitation of solar energy is one of the important developments whichinclude expanding the possibility of utilization in different areas anddeveloping more effective way of utilization. In the past, the cost ofmaking solar energy available for use was at a very high level and theeffectiveness of utilization is not satisfactory. Therefore, it is notcost-effective to explode the use of solar energy for household productswhich require a low energy requirement, even though the accumulated sumof energy requirement is substantively high.

Recently, utilization of solar energy at household level has beendeveloped and becomes more acceptable to the public when the cost ofutilization is lowered and the effective of utilization is improved, dueto the lower cost of equipment and/or subsidies provided by localgovernments or authorities. For example, installation of solar panel ona roof of a house for providing electricity to the house is one of theimportant developments of utilization of solar energy. However, theinstallation and equipment cost is still very high.

Lighting apparatus is widely used in different areas, such as indoorbuilding structures which include industrial buildings, office buildingsor household buildings, and outdoor lighting tools which include lamppoles in the streets, pathway light and entry light for a buildingstructure. If it is possible to replace all these lighting apparatusinto solar lighting apparatus, the utilization of solar energy will begreatly increased and therefore the effect of energy conservation issubstantively high.

One of the recent developments in relation to utilization of solarenergy is seen in garden pathway light apparatus. In general, thepathway light apparatus has a very low power requirement and includes asolar panel affixed on its top surface to obtain solar energy as itspower source. Accordingly, the pathway light apparatus can obtain andstore solar energy during the daytime and utilize the solar energy toprovide illumination during the nighttime. However, this earlydevelopment and exploitation of solar energy is not effective and hasthe following drawback. First, this is only suitable for low powerpathway light apparatus because the solar panel positioned at the topsurface is limited by the size of the light apparatus and the power ofthe light apparatus is limited by the size of the solar panel. In otherwords, this utilization is limited to low powered pathway lightapparatus. In general, the pathway light apparatus may not be able toprovide illumination for the whole night. Second, the position of thesolar panel is fixed relative to the light apparatus and therefore thesolar panel fails to adapt to any changes of solar light direction. Inother words, when the light apparatus is positioned at differentlocations which face different cardinal points, the ability to obtainsolar energy will be varied. Third, the brightness of illumination isnot adjustable and no mechanism is provided in relation to brightnessadjustment to fit the day-night cycle of a day. For example, therelative importance of providing pathway during midnight, such as 2:00pm or 3:00 pm, is much lower when comparing to early night-time. Also,the illumination effect for midnight period is more prominent than theearly night-time period. There lacks any mechanism of control toeffectively adapt the power consumption cycle of the pathway light inconsistent to the requirement in the day-night cycle. Fourth, the powerconsumption of the light apparatus fails to equip with non-sunny days,such as rainy days or cloudy days. Since there is no light adjustable orcontrol mechanism, the light apparatus is not prepared to face anynon-sunny days and simply does not work during rainy or cloudy days.Fifth, the problem of insufficient charging during a particular cyclehas greatly lowered the efficiency and the lifespan of the lightingapparatus. Since weather is unpredictable and the light apparatus hasonly one rigid cycle involving on/off status, insufficient charging iscommon and the lifespan of the lighting apparatus is shorter thanexpected. In other words, the light apparatus fails to adapt to theweather which involves abnormal operation of the light apparatus andtherefore the lifespan is short and hence the efficiency is low.

The conventional garden pathway light apparatus also has otherundesirable constraints in relation to its structural. In particular,the light apparatus may provide a tapered end so that the lightapparatus can be more easily inserted into the soil or sand of a groundsurface. However, when a level of hardness of the ground surface is veryhigh, it is not possible to position the light apparatus onto the groundsurface. When the only available ground surface is concrete, the lightapparatus lacks any structural elements for support and therefore cannotbe positioned on top of a concrete surface. In other words, the lightapparatus is only suitable for use in relatively soft ground surface. Inaddition, because of the lack of supporting mechanism, the lightapparatus is limited in utilization, which is garden pathway light foruse in a garden with soil or sand ground surface.

The conventional garden pathway light apparatus is limited in shape anddesign because of the position requirement of the solar panel. In otherwords, a top surface or at least an inclined upper surface has to beincluded for positioning the solar panel for light absorption.Accordingly, the shape and design of the light apparatus is restricted.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The invention is advantageous in that it provides a solar lightingapparatus comprising a light emitting unit and a solar panel arrangementfor providing solar panel units such that a size of the solar pane unitis not restricted by a size of a top surface of the light emitting unitand a power of the light emitting unit is not restricted by the size ofthe top surface of the light emitting unit.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a solar lightingapparatus which includes a lighting apparatus and a solar panelarrangement for providing solar panel units in which the solar panelunits are not restricted to position at a top surface of a lightapparatus body of the light apparatus, thereby exploiting thepossibility of providing a solar panel unit having a larger size thanthe light apparatus body and the possibility of providing a lightemitting unit of the light apparatus requiring higher power.Accordingly, the solar lighting apparatus can be expanded to be used instreet light, entrance light, outdoor lamp and etc.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a solar lightingapparatus which includes a lighting apparatus and a solar panelarrangement for providing solar panel units in which the solar panelunits are not restricted to position at a top surface of the lightapparatus body of the lighting apparatus, thereby providing designflexibilities for fitting different household needs.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a solar lightingapparatus which includes a light apparatus and a solar panel arrangementfor providing solar panel units which is adjustable to face differentcardinal points.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a solar lightingapparatus which includes a wiring arrangement having a plurality ofconnecting wire units so as to facilitate easy installation whileproviding flexibility in length adjustment.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a solar lightingapparatus which includes a lighting apparatus comprising a lightemitting unit and a light apparatus body, a solar panel arrangementproviding solar panel unit in which the solar panel unit is notrestricted to a position on the light apparatus body of the lightingapparatus, and a wiring arrangement having a plurality of connectingwire units connecting between the light emitting unit and the solarpanel unit of the solar panel arrangement, thereby the light apparatusbody is free from direct connection to the solar panel arrangement andtherefore at least a part of the light apparatus body is capable ofbeing detachable from the light apparatus body for easy replacement.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a solar lightingapparatus which includes a lighting apparatus comprising a lightemitting unit and a light apparatus body, a wiring arrangement having aplurality of connecting wire units, and a solar panel arrangement forproviding a solar panel unit connected to the light emitting unitthrough the connecting wire unit such that a plurality of lightapparatus bodies of different designs can be provided for the solarlighting apparatus to fit the market needs.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a solar lightingapparatus which includes a light control arrangement to effectivelyutilize the solar energy to fit the day-night cycle of a day and toprepare for providing illumination during non-sunny days. therebyexpanding the utility of the solar light apparatus as street light,entrance light, pathway, outdoor lamp and etc.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a solar lightingapparatus which includes a mounting arrangement such that the lightapparatus can be securely supported on any hard or soft ground surface,thereby expanding the utility of the solar light apparatus as streetlight, entrance light, pathway, outdoor lamp and etc.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a solar lightingapparatus which includes a light emitting unit and a light apparatusbody, a solar panel arrangement, and wiring arrangement connectingbetween the light emitting unit and the solar panel arrangement, and amounting arrangement arranged for mounting onto a ground surface andconnecting to the light apparatus body for supporting the solar lightapparatus so as to facilitate easy but secure installation.

Additional advantages and features of the invention will become apparentfrom the description which follows, and may be realized by means of theinstrumentalities and combinations particular point out in the appendedclaims.

According to the present invention, the foregoing and other objects andadvantages are attained by a solar lighting apparatus, comprising:

-   -   a light emitting unit for providing illumination and a lighting        apparatus body supporting the light emitting unit;    -   a solar energy arrangement arranged for providing power supply        to the light emitting unit, comprising a solar panel unit at a        predetermined position for light absorption; and    -   a mounting arrangement which comprises a mounting plate; at        least one ground supporting unit coupling with the mounting        plate arranged for securing the mounting plate onto a ground        surface; and a light apparatus connecting unit provided through        the mounting plate arranged for connecting to the lighting        apparatus such that the lighting apparatus is firmly positioned        onto the ground through the mounting arrangement, thereby the        lighting apparatus is capable of being mounting onto a hard or a        soft floor surface.

In particular, the light emitting unit is a light emitting diode unit,the light apparatus body comprises a head unit supporting the lightemitting unit; and a support unit having a first end connecting to thehead unit and a second end arranged for positioning onto a groundsurface through the mounting arrangement, the solar panel unit has asolar panel surface provided on the solar panel unit and the solar panelunit is positioned on the head unit of the light apparatus body in sucha manner that the solar panel surface is exposed outwardly for lightabsorption.

It is worth mentioning that the solar lighting apparatus can comprisetwo light emitting units spacedly provided on and supported by the lightapparatus body, which is has a street lamp construction having apredetermined height and weight and is supported through the mountingarrangement while the solar panel surface is provided between the twolight emitting units.

Preferably, the mounting plate has four coupling holes spacedly providedon the mounting plate, the ground supporting unit comprises foursupporting members having a cross-section area fitting and matching thefour coupling holes such that the four supporting members are capable ofbeing hammered or inserted onto the ground through penetrating the fourcoupling holes and anchored through the mounting plate to securelymounting into position, thereby the mounting arrangement is capable ofproviding sufficient support for standing the lighting apparatus ontothe ground.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the presentinvention provides a solar lighting system which comprises

-   -   at least two lighting apparatuses, each comprising a light        emitting unit for providing illumination and a lighting        apparatus body supporting the light emitting unit;    -   a solar energy arrangement arranged for providing power supply        to the lighting apparatuses, comprising a solar panel unit for        light absorption; and    -   a wire arrangement connecting between the lighting apparatuses        and the solar energy arrangement, wherein the solar panel unit        is remotely connected to the lighting apparatuses through the        wire arrangement and the solar panel unit is capable of        providing a solar panel surface having a surface area        substantially greater than the lighting apparatus body, wherein        the wire arrangement comprises:    -   a wire connector unit having a first and a second connector unit        terminals for each the light emitting unit;    -   a first wire unit having a first end electrically connecting to        one the light emitting unit and a second end electrically        connecting to the wire connector;    -   a second wire unit having a first end electrically connecting to        the solar panel unit and a second end detachably and        electrically connecting to the second connector unit terminal        such that the first wire unit and the second wire unit are        capable of being selectively and electrically connected through        the wire connector;    -   thereby a distance between the light emitting units and a        distance between each the light emitting unit and the solar        panel unit are adjustable through adjusting a length of the the        second wire unit such that a location of the solar panel unit is        not strictly limited by the distance between each the light        emitting unit and the solar panel unit and the solar panel unit        can be placed at a particular location facing a particular        direction for maximum light absorption.

Preferably, a LED light control arrangement is included for effectivelycontrolling a power consumption of the light emitting unit in such amanner that the light emitting unit is arranged to being charged anddischarged in a controlled manner and is protected against short circuitand overcharging.

Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from aconsideration of the ensuing description and drawings.

These and other objectives, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent from the following detailed description,the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a solar lighting apparatus and systemaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a wire arrangement of the solar lightingsystem according to the above preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a wire connector of the wire arrangement ofthe solar lighting system according to the above preferred embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a solar panel arrangement of the solarlighting system according to the above preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 is another illustration of the solar lighting apparatus andsystem according to the above preferred embodiment of the presentinvention

FIG. 6 is another illustration of the solar lighting apparatus accordingto the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is another illustration of the solar lighting apparatus accordingto the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is another illustration of the solar lighting apparatus accordingto the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is another illustration of the solar lighting apparatus accordingto the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a mounting arrangement of the solarlighting apparatus according to the above preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 11 is another illustration of the solar lighting apparatus with amounting arrangement according to the above preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 12 is another illustration of the solar lighting system showing asolar panel arrangement, a wire arrangement and a mounting arrangementaccording to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is another illustration of the solar lighting apparatusaccording to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of a process of installation of the solarlighting apparatus according to the above preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 15 is another illustration of the solar lighting system accordingto the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is an illustration of control circuit of the solar lightingsystem according to the above preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIGS. 1-16 of the drawings, a solar lighting apparatus andsystem is illustrated, which includes a lighting apparatus 10 and asolar energy arrangement 30. Preferably, the solar lighting apparatusand system may further include a wire arrangement 50, a mountingarrangement 70 and a light control arrangement 90.

The lighting apparatus 10 includes a light emitting unit 101 forproviding illumination, and a lighting apparatus body 102 supporting thelight emitting unit 101. Preferably, the light emitting unit 101 isreceived inside the lighting apparatus body 102, thereby the lightemitting unit 101 is protected and supported by the lighting apparatusbody 102. Preferably, the light emitting unit 101 is a LED unit whichhas low power requirements.

The solar energy arrangement 30 includes a solar panel unit 301 forobtaining sunlight such that solar energy is absorbed by the solar panelunit 301 and is capable of supplying power to the light emitting unit101 of the lighting apparatus 10. Accordingly, solar energy is convertedinto light energy for providing illumination.

Preferably, the solar lighting apparatus and system further includes awire arrangement 50 comprising one or more connecting wire unit 501connecting between the light emitting unit 101 of the lighting apparatus10 and the solar panel unit 301 of the solar panel arrangement 30.Accordingly, the light apparatus body 102 of the lighting apparatus 10is not required to have direct connection to the solar panel unit 301and therefore position flexibility of the solar panel unit 301 anddesign options of the light apparatus body 102 are provided.

Preferably, the solar lighting apparatus and system further includes themounting arrangement 70 which includes a mounting plate 701, at leastone ground supporting unit 703 arranged for securing the mounting plate701 onto a ground surface, and a light apparatus connecting unit 705arranged for connecting to the lighting apparatus 10 such that thelighting apparatus 10 is firmly positioned onto the ground through themounting arrangement 70. Through the provision of mounting arrangement70, easy but secure installation is achieved. It is worth mentioningthat the mounting plate 701 is capable of mounting onto a hard surfaceor a soft surface. For example, the mounting plate 701 can be securedinto position on a concrete ground surface as well as a grass surface.In other words, the solar lighting apparatus can be installed onto anysurface through the mounting arrangement 70.

Preferably, the solar lighting apparatus and system further includes thelight control arrangement 90 connecting to the wire arrangement 50arranged for controlling an operation process of the light emitting unit101 of lighting apparatus 10 through communicating with the solar panelarrangement 30 and the light emitting unit 101. Accordingly, adigitalized light control such as multi-level light intensity adjustmentcan be provided by the light emitting unit 101 through the provision ofthe light control arrangement 90.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4 of the drawings, the solar light systemaccording to the preferred embodiment of the present invention comprisesat least two lighting apparatuses 10, each comprises a light emittingunit 101 for providing illumination and a light apparatus body 102supporting the light emitting unit 101; a solar panel arrangement 30comprising a solar panel unit 301 having a solar panel surface 3011 forlight absorption connected to the light emitting unit 101 for providingpower supply; and a wire arrangement 50 electrically connecting thesolar panel unit 301 and the light emitting unit 101, wherein the wirearrangement 50 comprises a wire connector unit 502 having a first and asecond connector unit terminals 5021, 5022, a first wire unit 501 havinga first end 5011 connecting to the light emitting unit 101 and a secondend 5012 detachably connecting to the first connector unit terminal 5021of the wire connector unit 502, and a second wire unit 503 having afirst end 5031 connecting to the solar panel unit 301 and a second end5032 detachably connecting to the second connector unit terminal 5022such that the first wire unit 501 and the second wire unit 503 iscapable of being connected through the wire connector unit 503.Preferably, the wire connector unit 502 comprises an on/off switch 5023through which the first wire unit 501 and the second wire unit 503 canbe selectively connected at an on position of the on/off switch anddisconnected at an off position of the on/off switch.

In particular, since the light emitting unit 101 and the solar panelunit 301 are connected through the wire connector unit 502, the farthestdistance between the light emitting unit 101 and the solar panel unit301 is directly correlated to a length of the second wire unit 503. Inother words, the distance D between two lighting apparatuses 10 isadjustable by adjusting the length of the second wire unit 503 and byadjusting a connecting point on the second wire unit 503. In otherwords, through the provision of the wire connector unit 502, thedistance between two particular lighting apparatuses 10 is adjustable.Accordingly, a location of the solar panel unit 301 is not strictlylimited by the wired distance between the solar panel unit 301 and thelighting apparatuses 10, therefore the solar panel unit 301 can beplaced at a particular location with desirable level of sunlight. Thewire connector unit 502 also facilitates easy and simple installation.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, the light apparatus body 102comprises a head unit 1021 receiving supporting the light emitting unit101 and a support unit 1022 having a first end 10221 connecting to thehead unit 1021 and a second end 10222 arranged for positioning onto aground surface such that the light emitting unit 101 supporting by thehead unit 1021 is elevated and standing on the ground surface throughthe support unit 1022. Since the solar panel surface 3011 is notrequired to be provided on the light apparatus body 102, designflexibilities of the light apparatus body 102 is greatly increased.

For example, as shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings, the lighting apparatus10 has a courtyard style in which the head unit 1021 of the lightapparatus body 102 includes a top head unit 10211 having four topinclined surfaces facing four different direction and a bottom head unit10212 having a supporting base for receiving and supporting the lightemitting unit 101 and a window allowing light penetration.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings, the lighting apparatus10 has a spotlight style in which the head unit 1021 of the lightapparatus body 102 includes a top head unit 10211 having an invertedcup-shape receiving and supporting the light emitting unit 101 and abottom head unit 10212 serving as an adjustable supporting basesupporting the top head unit 10211.

In other words, the head unit 1021 is not required to have a large orflat surface accommodating light absorption. The head unit 1021 is freefrom utilizing a maximum surface provided by the head unit 1021 forlight absorption and design flexibilities of the light apparatus body102 is greatly increased to fit people's need.

Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, the second end10222 of the support unit 1022 of the light apparatus body 102 comprisesa tapered unit 10223 providing sharp edges for inserting onto a groundsurface. The tapered unit 10223 can be integrally or detachablyconnected at the second end 10222 of the support unit 1022 of the lightapparatus body 102.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 of the drawings, the solar energyarrangement 30 includes a solar panel unit 301 arranged for obtainingsolar energy connected to the light emitting unit 101 through the wirearrangement 50. In particular, the solar energy arrangement 30 comprisesa solar panel body 3010 on which the solar panel surface 3011 of thesolar panel unit 301 is positioned such that the solar panel surface3011 is exposed outwardly at an optimized position for light absorption.

Preferably, the solar panel body 3010 has a hollow body defining abattery compartment arranged for receiving a battery member and thesolar panel unit 301 is detachably connected to the battery member.Accordingly, the battery member can be replaced easily through simplesteps.

As shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings, a battery casing 3012 is provided toenclose the battery compartment inside which the battery member isreceived. Therefore, the battery member is shielded and protected insidethe battery compartment. It is worth mentioning that the battery casing3012 is detachable connected to and received inside the solar panel body3010 such that the battery casing 3012 is further protected by the solarpanel body 3010. In addition, the solar panel body 3010 is embodied as aresin stone, as shown in FIG. 4, which is designed to match the outdoorenvironment or mimicking natural rock object in a garden. In otherwords, through different designs and appearances of the solar panel body3010, it is possible to hide the solar panel body 3010 outside a houseor building while exposing the solar panel surface 3011.

Referring to FIGS. 5 to 9 of the drawings, a plurality exemplaryembodiments of solar light system according to the preferred embodimentof the present invention are illustrated. Since the position of thesolar panel surface 3011 is not restricted to be provided on any surfaceof the lighting apparatus 10, a great number of design options andapplication possibilities can be realized. In particular, a surface areaof the solar panel surface 3011 is not limited by a size of the lightingapparatus 10, therefore one solar panel surface 3011 can be sufficientto provide energy to a series of lighting apparatuses 10. Alternately,one solar panel surface 3011 having sufficiently large surface area canprovide sufficient power for lighting apparatuses 10 having highervoltage requirement.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5 of the drawings, the lighting apparatus10 is embodied as a lamp post or light post comprising two lightemitting units 101. It is worth mentioning that the solar panelarrangement 30 can be used to support one or more lighting apparatuses10, even the individual voltage requirement of the lighting apparatus 10is relatively high. The solar panel body 3010 of the solar panelarrangement 30 can be constructed into any design for matching thesurrounding environment and is arranged for locating at a position foroptimized sunlight exposure.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6 of the drawings, the solar light systemaccording to the preferred embodiment of the present invention comprisestwo lighting apparatuses 10 and the solar panel arrangement 30 ispositioned between the two lighting apparatuses 10. In other words, thesolar light system is embodied as a standalone lamp post comprising twolight apparatuses 10 and the solar panel arrangement 30 can effectivelyutilize the area between the two light apparatuses 10 for providing asufficiently large surface area for the solar panel surface 3011 so thatsufficient power can be provided to the lamp post, which is the solarlight system according to the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7 of the drawings, the solar panel surface3011 of the solar panel unit 301 is provided on the lamp post andtherefore different design possibilities of lamp posts can be employedto fit the market needs. Referring to FIG. 6 of the drawings, a citystreet style lamp post is illustrated. On the other hand, a garden stylelamp post is illustrated in FIG. 7 of the drawings.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 of the drawings, the solar lightsystem according to the preferred embodiment of the present inventioncan also be embodied as an outdoor lighting apparatus. Because of theprovision of the lighting apparatus 10, the solar panel arrangement 30and the wire arrangement 50, the solar light system can obtainsufficient power from the solar panel arrangement 30 and be easilyconnected by utilizing the wire arrangement 50. Accordingly, it is alsopossible to provide an outdoor floor lamp or a floor lamp through thesolar light system according to the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 8 of the drawings, the floor lamp, whichis one of the exemplary embodiment of the solar light system accordingto the preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises the solarpanel arrangement 30 constructed into a bottom supporting base of thefloor lamp. In other words, a large surface area can be provided forpositioning the solar panel surface 3011 through the bottom supportingbase of the floor lamp to provide energy to the floor lamp.

Referring to FIG. 9 of the drawings, an alternative position of thesolar panel surface 3011 for the floor lamp, which is the solar lightsystem according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention,is illustrated.

Preferably, the solar light system according to the preferred embodimentof the present invention further comprises a mounting arrangement 70 formounting the lighting apparatus 10 securely on a ground floor.Conventional method of mounting usually utilizes a shaft object forproviding support and is not strong enough for securing a lamp or lightpost, a floor lamp or even a pathway light of bigger size onto thefloor. In addition, this kind of conventional supporting shaft can onlybe used on the ground with soil or sand texture. The mountingarrangement 70 of the solar light system according to the preferredembodiment of the present invention is sufficiently strong for holdinglighting apparatus 10 of larger size and weight, easy for installationand flexible for use in ground textures In particular, the mountingarrangement 70 of the solar light system can effectively secure thelighting apparatus 10 onto a sand floor or a concrete floor.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11 of the drawings, the mounting arrangement70 comprises a mounting plate 701, a ground supporting unit 703 arrangedfor coupling with the mounting plate 701 and for inserting into a groundfloor so as to secure the mounting plate 701 onto the ground floor, anda light apparatus supporting unit 705 provided on the mounting plate 701arranged for connecting to the lighting apparatus 10.

In particular, referring to FIGS. 10 to 13 of the drawings, the solarlight system according to the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention comprises at least two lighting apparatuses 10, each comprisesa light emitting unit 101 for providing illumination and a lightapparatus body 102 supporting the light emitting unit 101; a solar panelarrangement 30 comprising a solar panel unit 301 having a solar panelsurface 3011 for light absorption connected to the light emitting unit101 for providing power supply; a wire arrangement 50 electricallyconnecting the solar panel unit 301 and the light emitting unit 101; anda mounting arrangement 70 arranged for securing the lighting apparatuses10 onto the ground, wherein the wire arrangement 50 comprises a wireconnector unit 502 having a first and a second connector unit terminals5021, 5022, a first wire unit 501 having a first end 5011 connecting tothe light emitting unit 101 and a second end 5012 detachably connectingto the first connector unit terminal 5021 of the wire connector unit502, and a second wire unit 503 having a first end 5031 connecting tothe solar panel unit 301 and a second end 5032 detachably connecting tothe second connector unit terminal 5022 such that the first wire unit501 and the second wire unit 503 is capable of being connected throughthe wire connector unit 503, wherein the mounting arrangement 70comprises a mounting plate 701, a ground supporting unit 703 arrangedfor coupling with the mounting plate 701 and for inserting into a groundfloor so as to secure the mounting plate 701 onto the ground floor, anda light apparatus supporting unit 705 provided on the mounting plate 701arranged for connecting to the lighting apparatus 10.

Preferably, as shown in FIG. 10 of the drawings, the mounting plate 701of the mounting arrangement 70 is a rectangular metal plate having fourcoupling holes 7011 provided at four corners of the metal plate, theground supporting unit 703 includes four supporting members 7031 havinga cross-sectional area fitting and matching the four coupling holes 7011of the mounting plate 701. Accordingly, the four supporting members 7031can be hammered onto the ground through penetrating the four couplingholes 7011 such that the mounting plate 701 can be secured into positiononto the ground through the supporting members 7031.

For example, as shown in FIG. 10 of the drawings, the supporting members7031 are iron stakes which is arranged for supporting a lamp post, whichis the solar lighting system of the present invention.

It is worth mentioning that the mounting plate 701 can also made ofsynthetic plastic or other materials having a round-shaped plate body ora square-shaped plate body providing at least one coupling hole 7011 ata predetermined position such that the mounting plate 701 is capable ofbeing mounted onto a ground floor through coupling of the coupling hole7011 and the supporting member 7031 of the ground supporting unit 703,thereby the mounting plate 701 can provide a secure support to thelighting apparatus 10 through the light apparatus connecting unit 705 ofthe mounting 701. The material and shape of the mounting arrangement 70,the number of coupling hole 7011 and the number of supporting member7031 are selectively adjustable, depending on the design requirements ofthe lighting apparatus 10.

Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 10 to 13 of the drawings, the second end10222 of the support unit 1022 of the light apparatus body 102 comprisesa light support connector 10224 connected to the light apparatussupporting unit 705 in such a manner that the lighting apparatus 10 issecurely supported and positioned onto the ground through the mountingarrangement 70. In particular, the light apparatus supporting unit 705comprises two shaft members 7051 transversely extended from the mountingplate 701 while the light support connector 10224 at the second end10222 of the support unit 1022 of the light apparatus body 102 providestwo light support connector holes 10225 and two locking members 10226 inwhich the two light support connector holes 10225 are positioned andsized to fit and couple with the two shaft members 7051 arranged forlocking into position by the locking members 10226. As shown in FIG. 10of the drawings, the shaft member 7051 and the locking member 10226 havea bolt and nut relationship, wherein the shaft member 7051 is a bolt andthe locking member 10226 is a nut for coupling with the bolt of theshaft member 7051.

It is worth mentioning that the mounting arrangement 70 enables thelighting apparatus 10 to mount on a concrete ground surface. Forexample, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 of the drawings, the solar lightsystem which is embodied as an entrance light system according to thepreferred embodiment of the present is illustrated. The entrance lightcan be mounted onto a concrete or a hard ground surface through themounting arrangement 70. It is worth mentioning that a light switch 103is further provided for controlling an on/off status of the lightemitting unit 101 of the lighting apparatus 10.

It is worth mentioning that the solar panel unit 301 or the solar panelsurface 3011 is not restricted to be provided on the light apparatusbody 102 through the wire arrangement 50. For example, as shown in FIG.11 of the drawings, the solar panel surface 3011 is provided on the headunit 1021 of the light apparatus body 102. Alternately, as shown in FIG.12 of the drawings, the solar panel surface 3011 is not provided on anypart of the light apparatus body 102 and is arranged to position at adistance from the light apparatus body 102 through the wire arrangement50.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 14 of the drawings, a mounting method of thelighting apparatus 10 comprising a light emitting unit 101 for providingillumination, a light apparatus body 102 supporting the light emittingunit 101 which comprises a light support connector 10224, a solar panelarrangement 30 connected to the light emitting unit 101 arranged forlight absorption and providing power to the light emitting unit 101, awire arrangement 50 connecting between the solar panel arrangement 30and the light emitting unit 101, and a mounting arrangement 70 arrangedfor mounting the light apparatus body 102 onto a ground surfacecomprising a mounting plate 701, a ground supporting unit 703 and alight apparatus connecting unit 705 provided on the mounting plate 701respectively, comprises the steps of:

-   -   (a) positioning the mounting plate 701 onto the ground surface;    -   (b) inserting the ground supporting unit 703 onto the ground        surface such that the ground supporting unit 703 is biased        against the mounting plate 701 to lock the mounting plate 701        into position on the ground surface; and    -   (c) coupling the light apparatus connecting unit 705 and the        light support connector 10224 such that the light apparatus        connecting unit 705 and the light support connector 10224 are        locked into position, thereby the light apparatus body 102 is        securely connected to the mounting plate 701 through light        apparatus connecting unit 705 and is supported onto the ground        through the mounting plate 701 being securely supported by the        ground supporting unit 703.

Preferably, the mounting plate 701 is a metallic plate, the groundsupporting unit 703 includes ground supporting member 7031 having aniron shaft body, the light apparatus connecting unit 705 includes ashaft member 7051 transversely and upwardly extended from the mountingplate 701 and the light support connector 10224 provides a light supportconnector hole 10225 and a locking member 10226 for coupling and lockinginto position with the shaft member 7051.

When the ground surface is very hard, such as a concrete ground surface,a complementary ground connecting hole can be pre-drilled such that theground supporting unit 703 can be inserted into the ground connectinghole for mounting the mounting plate 701 onto the ground, and then thelighting apparatus 10 can be supported by the mounting plate 701 ontothe concrete ground surface.

Preferably, the solar lighting system according to the preferredembodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of detachableparts for facilitating easy mix and match assembly. As shown in FIGS. 13and 14 of the drawings, the head unit 1021 is detachably connected tothe support unit 1022, the solar panel unit 301 is detachably connectedbetween the head unit 1021 and the support unit 1022 of the lightapparatus body 102 while the support unit 1022 of the light apparatusbody 102 is detachably connected to the mounting plate 701 of themounting arrangement 70. In other words, different parts of the solarlighting system or apparatus can be manufactured separately,facilitating mass production of different parts of the solar lightingsystem of the present invention. Also, the design or style of the headunit 1021 of the light apparatus body 102 can be changed or replacedeasily through this detachable connection between different parts of thelighting apparatus 10 and the solar lighting system. In other words,more design varieties can be provided through changing the design of onepart, such as the head unit 1021 of the light apparatus body 102, atminimized cost which involves only changes to one part of the wholesolar lighting system.

Referring to FIG. 14 of the drawings, an installation process of thesolar light system according to the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention is illustrated. In this embodiment, the solar lighting systemis a standalone lamp post which includes two light emitting units 101and the solar panel unit 301 is provided between the two light emittingunits 101.

The installation process of the solar light system comprises the stepsof:

-   -   (a) assembling the head unit 1021 with which the two light        emitting unit 101 are connected and covered;    -   (b) securing the head unit 1021 onto the solar panel unit 301;    -   (c) installing the mounting plate 701 onto the ground surface        with the ground supporting unit 703;    -   (d) mounting the light support connector 10224 to the light        connecting unit 705 of the mounting plate and securing into        position; and    -   (e) connecting the light support connector 10224 to the second        end 10222 of the support unit 1022 while connecting the first        end 10221 of the support unit 1022 to the solar panel unit 301.

Accordingly, the installation process involves only simple steps whichare simple and handy for a layperson. In other words, the utilization ofsolar energy powered lighting apparatus or system of the presentinvention can be promoted at household level so as to increase the usageof solar energy without difficulties in relation to installation orlimitation in relation to texture of ground surface. For example, thepresent invention can be used as street lamp, floor lamp, outdoorpathway light, garden light, garden spotlight, entrance light and etc.The vast varieties of design possibilities provided through theconstruction and design of the present invention have increased theapplication of solar lighting apparatus and system dramatically.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16 of the drawings, a LED light controlarrangement 90 arranged for effectively controlling the powerconsumption of the light emitting unit 101 according to the preferredembodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In particular, thesolar lighting system is a LED lighting system 930 and the LED lightcontrol arrangement 90 is a control circuit 910 which comprises a lightcontrol circuit 911, a battery voltage detection circuit 912, a chargecontrol circuit 913, a PWM constant current control circuit 914, a LEDshort circuit control circuit 915, a built-in multi-level controlcircuit 921, a watchdog circuit 922, a MCU 919 for PWM and ADconversion, a MCU power supply circuit 916 and a MCU reset circuit 917.The input terminals of the light control circuit 911 and the batteryvoltage detection circuit 912 are connected to the output terminals ofthe charge control circuit 913 respectively. The output terminals of thelight control circuit 911 and the battery voltage detection circuit 912are connected to input terminals of the MCU power supply circuit 916through a port PA2 and a port PA0 of the MCU power supply circuit 916.The PWM constant current control circuit 914 includes a PWM constantcurrent driver circuit 923 and has an output terminal connected to aseries LED lighting system 930 such as the solar lighting system of thepresent invention, wherein an input terminal of the PWM constant currentdriver circuit 923 is connected to PWM output terminal through a port9PA4 of the MCU 919. The series LED lighting system 930 includes aplurality sets of LED light 931 in which one set of the plurality setsof LED light is connected to a port PA1 of the MCU 919. In other words,the lighting apparatus 10 is connected to a port PA1 of the MCU 919through the wire arrangement 50. The LED short circuit control circuit915 is connected between the PWM constant current control circuit 914and a port PA3 of the input terminal of the MCU 919. The MCU resetcircuit 917 is controlled by the watchdog circuit 922.

Preferably, as shown in FIG. 16 of the drawings, the control circuit 910according to a first embodiment of the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention comprises a D3 diode 924 provided and connected to theMCU power supply circuit 916 to provide protection against reverseconnection between the positive and the negative terminals at a positionbetween the charge control circuit 913 and the MCU power supply circuit916.

Preferably, as shown in FIG. 16 of the drawings, the control circuit 910according to a second embodiment of the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention has a preset chip voltage of the light control circuit911 which is divided through two resistance unit R14 and R23, which isthen inputted into a port 9PA2 of the MCU 919 and is compared through aAD digital conversion circuit in the MCU 9 to control a turn on and aturn off action to the LED lighting system 930.

Preferably, as shown in FIG. 16 of the drawings, the control circuit 910according to a third embodiment of the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention further comprises a DIP switch 918 provided andconnected to a port PB3 and a port PB4 of the MCU 919. Preferably, theMCU 919 is a 46R065 series MCU.

The light control circuit 911 is arranged for controlling on/off statusof the LED lighting system 930 through detecting a voltage of solarpanel. The voltage of the solar panel is divided by the R23 and R14,inputted into the MCU 919 through port PA2, and transformed into therequired data by the MCU 919. The data is then analyzed and comparedwith a preset database so as to determine whether it is required to turnon or turn off the LED light. This construction can effectively preventtransient occurrence of light flashing due to change of lighting statusof the LED light. In addition, if the LED light is turned on, the LEDlight will not be turned off even a light source which is below 80 LUXis shined onto the LED light. Accordingly, this function can effectivelyavoid some incidence such as unwanted change of lighting status of theLED light by vehicle headlight.

The control circuit 910 can also realized a time control function inwhich multi-level time control of a magnitude of current for the LED canbe set based on the user's requirement. For example, a small current isarranged for the LED at night when most people go to bed so as to fitthe actual user's requirement, and hence dramatically reduce the cost ofthe LED light. The brightness control is arranged as follows: the lightcontrol circuit 911 detects a night-time condition and adjust the LED toa first-level magnitude while the MCU 919 is initiated to a first-leveltime setting. Then, when the time for the first-level magnitude isreached, a second-level magnitude is started and the MCU 919 isinitiated to a second-level time setting. Accordingly, multi-level timesetting for multi-level magnitude is achieved.

When the weather is poor for a few days, existing solar LED lights willencounter the problems of insufficient solar energy source and will notbe turned on or will only turn on for a short period of time such as 1to 2 hours. However, through the control circuit 910 of the presentinvention, the LED can continuously at its on status for 8 hours even ifit rains for 3 to 5 days. In particular, a down-flow control is arrangedthrough the control circuit 910. When the battery voltage detectioncircuit 912 detects that the voltage of the battery is lowered then thedefault value of the LED light VF, the internal transformation functionof PWM and AD of the MCU 919 is employed to automatically decrease thecurrent for LED light. When the voltage is higher than the VF value,then the current is adjusted to a normal level. If there is more than 3rainy days, because the battery charging voltage cannot reach the PWMconstant current discharge status, the MCU 919 will then control the LEDfrom using pulsation to a stable current. Then, the discharge current ofthe LED is lowered in response to the lowered level of battery voltagein a linear manner and the LED light will then turn off when thedischarge current reaches 30% of a normal level to a over-dischargeprotection status. If the next day is a sunny day and when the batteryvoltage is charged to reach the PWM discharge status, then a normaldischarge current is resulted. If the next day is a rainy day, a limitedlevel of discharge current is maintained.

The PWM constant current control circuit 914: If the battery voltage isgreater than the VF value of the LED light, the PWM and AD conversionfunction of the MCU 919 can control a constant current flow for LEDlight. The volt-ampere characteristic of LED and regular diode aresimilar in which when the current flow is greater than the VF value, avery small changes in voltage will have a great effect on the current.Therefore, the present invention utilizes a constant discharge currentto ensure the reliability and functionality of the LED light. The PWMconstant current discharge further provides an efficiency greater than90% through the utilizing the feature of discharge characteristic ofbattery, that is: 80% of discharge of a 12V battery is occurred between12.3V˜12.6V. When the LED light system includes 4 LED light units, thedischarge is 250 mA, then the VF is about 2.9V2.9V*4=11.6V, then12.6V−11.6V=1V, therefore efficiency=(1−1/12.6)*100%=92%. The process ofPWM constant current discharge: the PA4 of the MCU 919 outputs a PWMsignal to PWM constant current control circuit 914 to drive the LEDlight units. The PA1 port of the 9 AD chip samples the current of theLED and converts into numerical value which is then compared to thepreset values in the database so as to adjust the mark-space ratio ofthe PWM output signal and realize the LED constant current control.

The charge control circuit 913 is affected by the voltage and current ofthe chip. If the battery voltage is very low, such as from 8V of 12V isdischarged, the battery can also be charged. When the light source levelis greater, the output current is greater, and the driving currentobtained by the charge control circuit 913 is greater, therebyminimizing damage to Q5 power tube and increase charging efficiency.When the MCU 919 detects the battery voltage at a level greater than apreset value, such as when a 12V battery with a 14.5V voltage, the MCU919 will output a shut-off charging loop for high charging. When the MCU919 detects the battery voltage at a level smaller than a preset value,such as when a 12V battery with a 13.5V voltage, the MCU 919 will outputa low voltage to initiate the charge control circuit 913, and willsequentially recycled for five times before completely shutting off thecharging loop, and the charge control circuit 913 is reset only in thenext day after the LED is discharged at night. Though the main chargingloop of the charge control circuit 913 is shut off, an auxiliary loopformed by D13 and R24 is arranged for providing charging at a levelwhich is only 5% of the main loop.

The control arrangement 90 also provides an over-discharge protection,which will directly affect the durability of the battery. Because of theprovision of MCU 919, which can sample the battery voltage through ADand automatically convert the voltage into data for analysis, therebythe threshold of over-discharge can be determined. Preferably, thethreshold value is set at a level which is 10% higher than the standardpreset value. For example, a 12V battery usually has standard presetvalue of 10V and the threshold value is set at 11V. Because a batteryunder a slightly over-discharge condition will has a longer lifespan,therefore this slight higher threshold value can prolong the lifespan by20 to 30%. The process of over-discharge protection is furtherillustrated as follows: the MCU 919 will shut off the LED dischargecurrent, shut off the LED light and enter into a sleeping condition ifthe MCU detects that the battery voltage is lowered than the thresholdvalue through the battery voltage detection circuit 912. Accordingly,unnecessary wear and tear is avoided. The MCU reset circuit 917 isarranged for resetting the discharging process.

LED short circuit protection: if the PA3 pin of the MCU 919 detects ashort circuit of LED continuously for 0.2 second, the MCU 919 will shutoff the LED circuit. The LED discharge circuit will be connected if theMCU 919 detects that the LED is no longer under the short circuitcondition.

Protection against reverse connection between the positive and thenegative terminals employs the property of one-way conductivity of LEDand diode. In particular, the D3 diode is added in the input terminal ofthree-terminal regulator 78L05 to provide protection against reverseconnection between the positive and the negative terminals. Because thepower supply to the LED and the regulator are independent, and the powerconsumption of the regulator is relatively small, which is usually lessthan 10 mA, the addition of a diode can provide a protective effectwhile not affecting the overall efficiency.

One skilled in the art will understand that the embodiment of thepresent invention as shown in the drawings and described above isexemplary only and not intended to be limiting.

It will thus be seen that the objects of the present invention have beenfully and effectively accomplished. It embodiments have been shown anddescribed for the purposes of illustrating the functional and structuralprinciples of the present invention and is subject to change withoutdeparture from such principles. Therefore, this invention includes allmodifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A solar lighting apparatus, comprising a lightemitting unit for providing illumination and a lighting apparatus bodysupporting said light emitting unit; a solar energy arrangement arrangedfor providing power supply to said light emitting unit, comprising asolar panel unit at a predetermined position for light absorption; and amounting arrangement which comprises a mounting plate; at least oneground supporting unit coupling with said mounting plate arranged forsecuring the mounting plate onto a ground surface; and a light apparatusconnecting unit provided through said mounting plate arranged forconnecting to said lighting apparatus such that said lighting apparatusis firmly positioned onto the ground through said mounting arrangement,wherein said lighting apparatus is capable of being mounting onto a hardor a soft floor surface, a LED light control arrangement electricallyconnected to said light emitting unit and said solar panel unit foreffectively controlling a power consumption of said light emitting unit,wherein said LED light control arrangement comprises a light controlcircuit, a battery voltage detection circuit, a charge control circuit,a PWM constant current control circuit, a LED short circuit controlcircuit, a built-in multi-level control circuit, a watchdog circuit, aMCU for PWM and AD conversion, a MCU power supply circuit and a MCUreset circuit electrically connected for forming said LED light controlarrangement such that said light emitting unit is arranged for beingcharged and discharged in a controlled manner and is protected againstshort circuit and overcharging.
 2. The solar lighting apparatus, asrecited in claim 1, wherein said mounting plate has four coupling holesspacedly provided on said mounting plate, said ground supporting unitcomprises four supporting members having a cross-section area fittingand matching said four coupling holes such that said four supportingmembers are capable of being hammered or inserted onto the groundthrough penetrating said four coupling holes and anchored through saidmounting plate to securely mounting into position, wherein said mountingarrangement is capable of providing sufficient support for standing saidlighting apparatus onto the ground.
 3. The solar lighting apparatus, asrecited in claim 1, wherein said light emitting unit is a light emittingdiode unit.
 4. The solar lighting apparatus, as recited in claim 2,wherein said light emitting unit is a light emitting diode unit.
 5. Thesolar lighting apparatus, as recited in claim 4, wherein said lightapparatus body comprises a head unit supporting said light emittingunit; and a support unit having a first end connecting to said head unitand a second end arranged for positioning onto a ground surface throughsaid mounting arrangement.
 6. The solar lighting apparatus, as recitedin claim 5, wherein said solar panel unit has a solar panel surfaceprovided on said solar panel unit, and said solar panel unit ispositioned on said head unit of said light apparatus body in such amanner that said solar panel surface is exposed outwardly for lightabsorption.
 7. The solar lighting apparatus, as recited in claim 5,wherein said solar panel unit has a solar panel surface provided on saidsolar panel unit, and said solar panel unit is positioned on saidsupport unit of said light apparatus body in such a manner that saidsolar panel surface is exposed outwardly for light absorption.
 8. Thesolar lighting apparatus, as recited in claim 5, wherein said lightapparatus body has a street lamp construction having a predeterminedheight and weight which is supported through said mounting arrangement.9. The solar lighting apparatus, as recited in claim 6, wherein saidsolar lighting apparatus comprises two light emitting units spacedlyprovided on and supported by said light apparatus body, wherein saidlight apparatus body has a street lamp construction having apredetermined height and weight which is supported through said mountingarrangement.
 10. The solar lighting apparatus, as recited in claim 9,wherein said solar panel surface is provided between said two lightemitting units.
 11. The solar lighting apparatus, as recited in claim 5,wherein said head unit of said light apparatus body comprises a top headunit having four top inclined surfaces facing four different directionand a bottom head unit having a supporting base receiving and supportingsaid light emitting unit and a window allowing light penetration. 12.The solar lighting apparatus, as recited in claim 9, wherein said headunit of said light apparatus body comprises a top head unit having aninverted cup-shaped structure receiving and partially shielding saidlight emitting unit and a bottom head unit supporting said top head unitin a rotatable and adjustable manner such that said lighting apparatusis capable of providing a spotlight illumination.
 13. The solar lightingapparatus, as recited in claim 1, wherein said LED light controlarrangement further comprises a diode provided and connected said MCUpower supply circuit so as to provide protection against reverseconnection between positive and negative terminals at a position betweensaid charge control circuit and said MCU power supply circuit.